The Oklahoma Work Team and Mission Area 6 are grateful for a special week in which 20 team members were able to share in joint ministry to the people of Moore, Oklahoma.
One of the greater results of this trip, apart from the lives touched, projects completed and lasting impact on each of us, was the remark of one local pastor that churches can, in fact, work together in ministry.
Over the course of five days, our team representing the United Methodist Churches in Malibu, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and Newbury Park, as well as Padre Serra Catholic Church and one other, was able to complete the installation of roughly 500’ of fencing, building a new 10’ by 12’ deck, gardening and other projects at four homes and the church that hosted our group.
We also had the opportunity to meet with the families we served and hear their stories, meet locals throughout Moore, OK impacted by the May 2013 tornado, and other volunteers from around the country who came together to serve the Moore community. On Saturday, our group visited the site of the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial, that we will never forget, and the Heritage Cowboy Museum, to know more of our country’s history.
As a result of this trip, we would like to continue our outreach, and invite others to join in, by serving one another’s churches on a three to six month basis, if possible. The details of this idea will still need to be developed further.
We have also planned a dinner and slideshow for all the churches to enjoy at the end of August. The date and time is still to be determined, but the location will be at UMC – Thousand Oaks. Look for further details in the weeks ahead.
We look forward with excitement to many more ministry opportunities for our Mission Area 6. We ask that you will continue to support our joint ministries with your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
May God continue to greatly bless you ministry,
Brian Long (UMCWV) and Steve Peralta (UMCTO)
[tw-divider]Related Resources[/tw-divider]
